Child welfare organisations are sounding the alarm over proposed changes to the Children’s Act that could criminalise baby savers – secure, monitored boxes offering desperate mothers a safe and anonymous way to relinquish newborn children.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) is pushing for amendments that would classify baby savers as illegal, despite a Gauteng High Court ruling in August upholding their legality and allowing continued operation.

Now, Baby Savers SA and Door of Hope Children’s Mission are urging citizens to act before the October 25 deadline by emailing objections to the DSD.

“We are under threat of being closed down because the DSD has included baby savers as unsafe abandonment in South Africa, despite the fact that these boxes have saved hundreds of lives over the years,” said Milly Hertz, founder of Project Life SA in Umhlali and a member of Baby Savers SA.

Project Life SA installed a baby saver box at Christ Church North Coast in 2023, in which two babies have been placed since June this year.

Built into the walls of churches, pregnancy help centres and children’s homes, these boxes are monitored 24/7 and offer a secure alternative to abandonment in toilets, bins or open fields.

READ HERE: Baby saver box installed in Umhlali | North Coast Courier

While the NPOs argue the boxes give mothers a safer option, the DSD contends that baby savers deny children the right to their culture, religion, community and access to extended family members who may have wanted to raise him or her, a view Hertz strongly rejects.

“What good is culture if you are dead?” she asked.

Door of Hope director Nadene Grabham echoed the concern: “Instead of criminalising safe relinquishment, which protects the child’s right to life, the DSD should be strengthening support systems, providing crisis counselling, and ensuring safe relinquishment is available as part of a broader, compassionate social policy,” she said.

READ MORE: Second newborn safely surrendered to Umhlali baby saver box | North Coast Courier

“Criminalisation won’t prevent abandonment it will only drive it further underground. We need solutions that prioritise the child’s welfare and the dignity of the parent, not punitive measures that ignore the underlying social issues.”

In a media statement issued on October 1, the DSD said it had formally communicated with all relevant stakeholders regarding the legal and procedural approach to child relinquishment. The DSD further stated that it is working to strengthen the national Child Protection System to safely receive abandoned infants through established and lawful channels.

This includes co-ordinated efforts between hospitals, the police and child protection organisations, which the department described as key components of the community safety net. The department reiterated its position on Baby Saver operations, emphasising that they are illegal under the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005, as amended.

Baby Savers SA estimates that more than 515 babies have been safely placed in boxes across 25+ locations nationwide since 1999.

“The biggest way to make an impact is by sending emails to say baby savers should be legalised, not criminalised because DSD officials must record every message,” said Hertz.

“Please make your voice heard. Every voice matters. Every life counts.”

If you would like to support the baby saver movement, you can send an email to the following three DSD email addresses stating your reason: matlhogonolos@dsd.gov.za, ntopot@dsd.gov.za and luyandamt@dsd.gov.za or visit the Baby Savers SA Facebook page.

• Note: This story has been updated since the version that appeared in print. The final line with email addresses was added following a community request.

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